DUBAI: A brilliant caught-behind by Kumar Sangakkara sent Lahore Qalandars opener Cameron Delport to the pavilion in the first over, after Karachi Kings won the toss and opted to field in Saturday’s first game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in what could turn out to be a playoff decider.
It’s a do or die match for the Kings, who sit at the bottom of the table with just 4 points and need to win both of their remaining two matches to make it to the playoffs.
If Qalandars win today against Kings, Brendon McCullum’s men will be through to the playoffs and Kings would be eliminated. A defeat today, however, won’t eliminate Qalandars, who are currently at number four with 6 points.
If Kings win today but lose tomorrow’s match against Islamabad United, NRR would come into play and decide the fate of Kumar Sangakkara’s side.
If Qalandars v Kings match is washed out today, and if Quetta Gladiators beat Peshawar Zalmi tonight and if Kings win tomorrow against Islamabad United, then Zalmi, Qalandars and Kings will be depending on their NRR to take them through.
Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United are already through to the playoffs.